Upcoming council elections: a call for local focus

As the council elections approach, Docklanders are being courted by candidates seeking their support. This brings up an important question: what can we reasonably expect from our local representatives?

Recently, many councils across Australia have faced criticism for stepping beyond their traditional roles – roads, rates, and rubbish – and involving themselves in international issues. However, drawing a clear line on what is local and what is global can be challenging, especially with issues like climate change.

That said, Docklanders have every right to ask candidates about their dedication to our local issues, ones that directly affect daily life in Docklands. Discussions have already started, with three broad topics receiving attention:

Public spaces & events

This is arguably the most complex issue facing Docklands as it goes to the heart of the nature and vision of Docklands. Are we an entertainment precinct where people reside, or are we a neighbourhood that supports public events? While Docklands can and does have many faces, there must soon be an agreement on its primary identity and how this can be manifested in key sites such as Central Pier and the Stadium Precinct.

While this question remains in play, there will be ongoing tension and great potential for a mishmash of lacklustre design. With many stakeholders, especially the Victorian Government, involved, the City of Melbourne must prioritise a coherent vision for Docklands and advocate on behalf of Docklanders for its realisation.

Community facilities

Tangential to the previous point, Docklands already boasts a significant residential population. However, it still lacks many amenities that other neighbourhoods take for granted. Despite the Library at the Dock and the recent opening of the local primary school, it remains problematic that all community spaces are government controlled.

This leaves Docklanders subject to the whims of budgets and programs and a proliferation of pop-ups and pilots. With the push towards community empowerment, residents are calling for a greater focus on local amenities that support the independence of community.

“Roads, Rates, and Rubbish” relevant for residential strata

Despite Docklanders living primarily in high-rise apartments, City of Melbourne staff typically lack an understanding of both the regulatory context and the lived realities facing residential strata.

Instead of dedicated services like those offered by the City of Sydney, there is increasing pressure on owners’ corporations to handle tasks that, in other electorates, are managed by councils themselves, such as promoting government services and educating residents on issues like waste management and safety.

It is imperative that all tiers of council staff become knowledgeable about how the majority of City of Melbourne residents (and 98 per cent of Docklanders) live.

Docklanders deserve a council that is truly focused on their needs. The upcoming City of Melbourne elections are a crucial opportunity to demand that our local representatives commit to creating a vibrant, well-planned, and self-directed community. •